The Phillies Zone

Finally, John Mayberry Jr. will start.

In the season's first 15 games, Mayberry has 10 plate appearances with four pinch-hits. Charlie Manuel has said he wants to get his bench players some at-bats and Mayberry is the last one to earn a start.

He'll play in right field and bat sixth, giving Ben Francisco a night off against lefthander Randy Wolf. Francisco is 2 for his last 18 and has gone 32 plate appearances without an extra-base hit.

Charlie Manuel strongly hinted that Mayberry will also play Wednesday. The Brewers will throw another lefthander in Chris Narveson, meaning it could be time for a day off for Raul Ibanez.

Poll

Which injured player do the Phillies miss the most?

Domonic Brown

Brad Lidge

Chase Utley

None of them: They’re in first place.

Manuel said he stuck Mayberry in right field on Tuesday because Ibanez is 5 for 14 with three doubles and a home run against Wolf in his career.

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J.C. Romero says he expects to be ready to return to action once his disabled list stint is over. He said doctors performed an MRI and diagnosed him with a mild strain of the right calf.

Romero is eligible to come off May 4.

Mike Zagurski was the pitcher chosen to replace him not just because he's a lefty, Manuel said.

"Reports were he was throwing good," Manuel said. "His velocity on his fastball is up. They recommended him. Also being a lefty helped too."

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Roy Oswalt is good to go for his Thursday start. Rich Dubee reported no problems a day after Oswalt's bullpen session.